How much does camping cost at Hornswoggle Group Campground?

Camping fees at Hornswoggle Group Campground range from $88-$155/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Hornswoggle Group Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Hornswoggle Group Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

What is the best time to visit Hornswoggle Group Campground?

Hornswoggle Group Campground is open April 17 to October 18. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Hornswoggle Group Campground?

Hornswoggle Group Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Hornswoggle Group Campground?

Cell phone service at Hornswoggle Group Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Hornswoggle Group Campground have?

Hornswoggle Group Campground has 5 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Hornswoggle Group Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Hornswoggle Group Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Hornswoggle Group Campground?

Hornswoggle Group Campground offers: Restrooms, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Hornswoggle Group Campground?

Popular activities at Hornswoggle Group Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Hornswoggle Group Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Hornswoggle Group Campground?

Fire policies at Hornswoggle Group Campground: Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

3.47

41 reviews

Approximately 4 miles from the intersection of Highway 49 and Marysville Road

Great for GroupsSummer Destination

Quick Facts

2,000 ft

Price

$88 - $155/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open season: April 1...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Yuba River Ranger Station Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

2,000 ft

Price

$88 - $155/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

5 campsites

Season

Open season: April 1...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Yuba River Ranger Station Official Website

Get Directions

Hornswoggle Group Campground

$88.00 - $155.00 / night

Campsite Fees

25 person Group Site: $88.00; 5 RV Group Site: $88.00; 50 person Group Site: $155.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

Group Site Fee$88.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

530-478-6253n/a

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Approximately 4 miles from the intersection of Highway 49 and Marysville Road

Hornswoggle Group Campground

Approximately 4 miles from the intersection of Highway 49 and Marysville Road

Nearby places

Nevada City (21 miles, approximately 30-minute drive)

Camptonville (approximately 12 miles)

North San Juan (approximately 15 miles)

Dobbins (approximately 20 miles)

Weather at Hornswoggle Group Campground

Current alerts(3)

Bears frequent the area; all food must be kept in approved containers
No Show Policy A no-show customer is one who does not arrive at a campground and does not cancel the reservation by check-out time on the day after the scheduled arrival date (or for day-use facilities, by check-in time the day of arrival).
Utility hookups and showers are not available

Best Time to Camp at Hornswoggle Group Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of mild, stable weather and thinning crowds — daytime temperatures typically sit in the mid-60s to low-70s°F with crisp nights around 40–50°F — making hiking, lakeside cooking, and wildlife viewing especially pleasant. Foliage on the mixed hardwoods and the lower boat traffic on Bullards Bar Reservoir create quieter, more scenic conditions for fishing, boating, and group gatherings. After Labor Day you'll find fewer weekend crowds and good trail access, though be Peak months: September, October, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall listed as best season: mild weather, thinning crowds and quieter conditions.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 17 to October 18. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: April 15 - October 15. First-come-first-served period: June 20 - June 21. Closed season: October 15 - April 17.

About Hornswoggle Group Campground

Hornswoggle Group Campground sits in the Tahoe National Forest foothills near Bullards Bar Reservoir, operated by the Yuba River Ranger Station. This reservation-only group site offers shaded privacy under tall trees with full amenities including flush and vault toilets, potable water, and bear lockers. Campers hike, fish, swim, and boat on the reservoir during the seasonal operating window.

Hornswoggle Group Campground provides options for group camping, including tent sites and open areas that can accommodate trailers. It's primarily designed for group activities.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best combination of mild, stable weather and thinning crowds — daytime temperatures typically sit in the mid-60s to low-70s°F with crisp nights around 40–50°F — making hiking, lakeside cooking, and wildlife viewing especially pleasant. Foliage on the mixed hardwoods and the lower boat traffic on Bullards Bar Reservoir create quieter, more scenic conditions for fishing, boating, and group gatherings. After Labor Day you'll find fewer weekend crowds and good trail access, though be Peak months: September, October, May, June Avoid: November, December, January, February

Elevation2000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and ScenerySteep, forested slopes drop toward Bullards Bar Reservoir through layers of conifers, hardwoods, and native brush. The terrain creates shade across the campground and makes direct lake access challenging. The mixed forest supports squirrels, birds of prey, and seasonal wildflowers in the understory. The topography offers views of the reservoir but limits easy swimming access.

Lodging & AccommodationsLodging accommodations are not available; this facility primarily caters to group camping.

Programs & ActivitiesThere are no mentions of cultural or educational programs offered at the campground.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights per visit and 14 nights per year is enforced.

Guests Allowed Per Site

The Manzanita group site accommodates up to 50 people.

Groups

The group camping area is spacious and well-suited for gatherings. For example, 'We stayed at Manzanita (the 50-person site) with a group of 30ish folks and it fit us well—a mix of tent campers and 4 trailers.'

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online or mobile app, or through the contact center.

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned, but the campground has paved roads and parking, which may aid accessibility.

Site SizeThe sites at Hornswoggle Group Campground are described as spacious and suitable for group camping. One reviewer stated, 'We stayed at the Manzanita site with a group of 30ish folks and it fit us well - a mix of tent campers and 4 trailers.

PrivacyThe campground offers privacy between group sites. A user noted, 'Nice spot for group camping, the spacing between sites is good.

Total Campsites5 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose Manzanita for larger groups and proximity to amenities such as flushing toilets and water access. Bring mosquito repellents and yellow jacket protection.

Best CampsitesManzanita handles groups up to 50 people with space for both tents and trailers. One group of 30 fit comfortably with four trailers and multiple tents. The site includes bear lockers, picnic tables, water spigots, and a fire pit. Reviewers note good privacy between group sites and mention tall, shady trees with level tent spots near bathrooms.

Need help booking Hornswoggle Group Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

The Hornswoggle Group Campground offers a mix of modern and natural amenities. The area includes great features like campfire rings, picnic tables, flush and vault toilets, and paved roads and parking. Drinking water is available, and there are trash and recycling facilities. However, utility hookups and showers are explicitly not available, and visitors are advised to use bear lockers for food storage. The campground is surrounded by conifer and hardwood forests, providing shade and a scenic environment. Amenities like food storage lockers, tent pads, and fire pits make it suitable for group camping. A reviewer notably mentioned, 'We stayed at the Manzanita group camp site. Lots of amenities available. Flushing toilet, 2 water spigots, 8 picnic tables, 6 bear lockers, a large fire pit, and a large grill. There are plenty of space to set up several tents around the area.'

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Hornswoggle Group Campground offers a variety of outdoor and recreational activities. Visitors can engage in camping, hiking, fishing, boating, and a range of water sports like water skiing. While swimming is limited due to steep slopes, boaters can find numerous swimming opportunities around the reservoir. Wildlife viewing and mountain biking are also popular activities at and near the campground.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Winter Activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Food Storage RequiredBear lockers are provided free of charge and can accommodate full-size coolers. Campers are advised to use them due to frequent bear activity.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available at the campground. A reviewer mentioned, 'There are large trash bins nearby that can be utilized when needed.'

Cell CoverageCell phone service is available, but reviewers have not provided details about signal strength or provider coverage.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

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Reviews

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From Booking Sources

3.5

41 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Hornswoggle Group Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

The campground receives mixed reviews with a general sentiment of 3.91/5. Common themes include the spacious and shaded sites, presence of bears, and issues with theft. Some highlight the privacy and amenities, while others criticize noise issues and safety concerns involving wildlife and theft.

Review Summaries

Based on 41 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include spacious group sites, good privacy between camps, plentiful amenities like bear lockers and picnic tables, and proximity to boating and hiking trails. 'Tall shady trees,...

Based on 41 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include aggressive bears ('They grabbed a hold of a couple of tents and took them for a ride'), theft ('several cable locks were cut'), and noise issues ('Noise ordinance needs to be...

Based on 41 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Manzanita Group Camp: Positive for spaciousness and amenities. Dogwood Site: Theft concerns. Sugarpine Site: Aggressive bear activity. Douglas Fir Site: Restroom issues and noise complaints. Madrone...

Based on 41 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips include bringing a wagon for tent campers, properly utilizing bear lockers ('Those containers fit full-size coolers and plenty of food'), and being prepared for mosquitoes and yellow jackets.

Based on 41 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter closures prevent camping during the colder months. Late spring through summer sees high usage, with complaints about bears and noise. Fall is described as quieter and relaxing.

Based on 41 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'We stayed at the Manzanita group camp site. Lots of amenities available.' 2. 'Nice spot for group camping, the spacing between sites is good.' 3. 'Tall shady trees, prime tent setup locations.'...

Based on 41 reviews

Accessibility Features

No user reviews specifically mention accessibility features.

Based on 41 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed, but no specific user reviews focus on pet-related experiences.

Based on 41 reviews

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Hornswoggle Group Campground

$88.00 - $155.00 / night

Campsite Fees

25 person Group Site: $88.00; 5 RV Group Site: $88.00; 50 person Group Site: $155.00. Plus Recreation.gov reservation transaction fee ($8 online / $9...

Group Site Fee$88.00